Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation supports African farmers

Melinda Gates, a philanthropist, businesswoman, and co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a $35 million grant to a Cambridge University-led project to help in executing their African Innovation project for African farmers.

The $35 million grant by the foundation is to cover the Engineering Nitrogen Symbiosis for Africa (ENSA) research program in the next five years.

In a statement issued by the foundation, it said “A Cambridge University-led project to develop the latest grantee of Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations is our topmost priority”.

The foundation’s focus is to improve nutrients up taken by food plants to reduce the need for fertilizer degrading the land.

In a quest to appreciate the foundation’s effort, the Chief Executive of Gates, Joe Cornelius said “The pioneering work of ENSA is fundamental to leveling the playing field for smallholder farmers in Africa, leveraging the latest crop technology to ensure all communities have the chance to thrive.”

Mr. Cornelius added that the foundation is delighted to support ENSA to meet the needs of smallholder farmers.